About FMUB

Community

History

We are proud of our past and we are prepared for the future!

Opened in September 1861 by John R. Wheeler, the Union Bank, later renamed Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, began general banking business on James Street in downtown Columbus.

Expansion began in 1919 when famed architect Louis Sullivan began construction on the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank building in downtown Columbus. Sullivan’s masterpiece, commonly known, as his “Jewel Box” became a showpiece for the small town of Columbus and made the National Historical Registery in 1972. The Jewel Box bank was designated a National Historic Landmark (the highest designation of all historic places in 1983.)

The beautifully ornamented Columbus bank, known as the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, would be the last of eight small community banks Louis Sullivan completed. These eight banks would later become known as Sullivan’s ‘Jewel Boxes.’ Our bank is one of only two to be operating as a bank today. Meticulously maintained, this historic landmark is open for tours!

Farmers & Merchants Union Bank has grown over the last 150+ years to include six locations throughout Columbus, Fall River, Friesland, Juneau and Rio.

Tours

Tour our Jewel Box Bank!

We provide tours of our historic Jewel Box bank to travel groups, schools, organizations, architecture students and anyone who is interested! We welcome the opportunity to share our history and showcase a collection of historical items from our community. A second-floor museum overlooks our bank’s lobby and provides an close-up view of our beautiful, original stained-glass windows.

Feel free to visit our historic site anytime during business hours! We do not require an appointment, but it is helpful for groups of six or more.

Tours are available during regular business hours at our historic location: